The circus has come to town, at least to Honolulu. It's the start of a ten-year commitment in Waikīkī, which includes some unusual assets.
The Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel's showroom has set a multimillion-dollar stage for acrobats, hula dancers and other performers in ʻAuana — Cirque du Soleil's new Hawaiʻi-themed show.
The live show opened last month and unfolds over eight acts, weaving the acrobatics, dance and circus performances which Cirque du Soleil is known for — with a story that pays homage to Hawaiian culture.
Sean Dee is Outrigger’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. He said Hawaiʻi's tourism market should benefit from having such world-class entertainment here. He also said it's something that will attract people to come and experience Hawaiʻi in a new and different way.
Dee said the show has been several years in the making. Outrigger was looking for a new entertainment partner to take over the showroom at the Beachcomber. That was after Magic of Polynesia ended its 20-plus-year run in 2020.
At the same time, Cirque du Soleil was looking at bringing its act to Hawaiʻi. The two companies connected and the idea for ʻAuana was born.
Editor's note: Outrigger Hospitality Group is an underwriter of HPR.
